A company of any size can apply the principles of strategic philanthropy while meeting the needs of the community. Favilli Studio is a design studio that focuses on theme park and resort development. Creativity is core to their business. Small but mighty, this business is led by Andrea and Camy Favilli. They realized that today’s generation does not benefit from the quality arts education that they both received. While taking on the arts education issue facing school districts is daunting, through a friend they discovered a community based organization call Verdugo Young Musicians Association. “VYMA was founded in 2001 by a group of parents to supplement existing music education by offering ensemble opportunities for children preempted from joining an orchestra because of age, ability and/or financial means. VYMA’s goal is to provide inclusive, high quality music education by professional, performing musicians in a nurturing, fun, non-competitive setting. This approach has proven to be highly successful. Children with minimal training have achieved recognizably impressive standards of classical music excellence.”
Here is how Favilli Studio has helped. For a contribution of $2,000 they were able to provide 10 violins and two cellos for the orchestra. For two years now, another business leader, Tim Stratz of Stratz & Co. Financial Services, has conducted a fundraising concert for VYMA where attendees can see the Grammy award winning cellist Steven Erdody and “friends” who are amazing soloists and studio musicians. The performance is called Heartstrings. The logo and invitation were designed by Camy Favilli. Favilli Studio was an event sponsor and the couple, along with their young son, attended the community concert. This is small business strategic philanthropy at its best. They provided cash, in-kind support and pro-bono volunteering for a small local nonprofit. They are helping address a community problem of the lack of music programs in the schools. It is a program that fosters creativity. It aligns with their core business function and acknowledges the special role that music plays in storytelling. They are utilizing the expertise of Favilli Studio to further the mission of the VYMA. And they are supporting an effort in the community where they, and their team, work and live. This is a true win-win-win partnership… for the business, its employees and the community. You don’t have to be a large business to make financial donations, engage employees and make positive community contributions. The Favilli’s did it by pulling on the heartstrings! http://www.vyma.org/ http://favillistudio.com/